Pokémon Horizons: The Departure of Liko and Roy (EN) Review

The time has come at last- I have been trying to determine for a very long time how to approach this anime; and I have concluded that I will have to review each story arc in one go. There are ideas that sound interesting on paper, but they don’t all work in execution; at least on a personal level. Here is my full look at Pokémon Horizons: The Departure of Liko and Roy. 

Episodes 1 and 2: “The Pendant that Starts it All, Parts 1 and 2”

I’m reviewing the first couple episodes at once, as they’re part of the same story. Before I get too into this, I will establish right away I will do my best to avoid comparisons to previous anime unless it’s otherwise relevant. Comparisons to the video games, though- those are doable.

First, I might as well address the EN theme song, “Becoming Me.” I still think Haven Paschall is a good singer and voice actress; but the song itself isn’t doing a whole lot for me. Not into the JP theme, “Dokidoki Memory” either; so we’re already off to a rocky start. Not even Steve Blum as narrator is making an impact on me.

The first two episodes introduce a lot of characters and concepts, so let’s just start with the basics. Our female lead is Liko- on a surface level; she’s not the worst ever. That aside, the inner monologue is not the approach I would have gone with; especially not the degree it gets used to in this first storyline. It gets better over time, but I found it borderline insufferable at the start.

The title comes from a mysterious pendant left to Liko by her grandmother, Diana. We’ll touch on that again later. For now, in short order; she takes her first classes at Indigo Academy; meets her roommate Ann, and they get their respective partners- Oshawott and Sprigatito. I’m also intentionally not mentioning who their favorite streamer, “Nidothing” is yet. We’ll get to that when the time comes- just mentioning I typically watch different content creators; if not different livestreams entirely.

Though Sprigatito is initially none too pleased at having Liko as partner, the two do bond as time passes. All is not well at the school, though- a trio of spies posing as students after the pendant; and we will touch on why later. Their names are Amethio, Zir, and Conia. They are mercenaries under the banner of the Explorers.

Thankfully, a group of allies get to her first- they are the Rising Volt Tacklers; led by Captain Pikachu and the roguish Friede. Other crew members of their airship; the “Brave Olivine” are their medic Molly, their chief engineer Orla and their head chef Murdoch. Apart from one other character we’ll mention later; they also have an elderly spiritual advisor named Ludlow.

No matter how many times I see it, I still end up slapping my forehead in disbelief the moment I hear Liko realize she’s the main character. Sprigatito is thrown from the ship, and ends up being held hostage by the Explorers, bringing us to the third episode.

Many people found this hour-long pilot to be one of the strongest starts to a new adaptation in ages. I didn’t- I found it was trying to do too much at once while simultaneously feeling like it was needlessly withholding basic details about the story, world and characters. Example: While I do like the concept of the Brave Olivine on a surface level, I honestly think it would have been better to have something happen to the propulsion rather than the electrical systems. The show never explains how the ship stays airborne with a power loss, since they seem more interested in Sprigatito getting lost and her pendant acting as a mystery box. Regrettably, this is going to persist throughout HZ- bloating plot points that really don’t need it and rushing through the ones that really matter. I’m not even the only one that’s made that observation; as others have made that critique- including its fans.

Episode 3: “For Sure- Because Sprigatito is With Me”

Picking up where we left off, everyone is tracking Sprigatito after the storm; and working on restoring power to the Brave Olivine. Still not sure how it was even able to remain airborne (and yes, I am aware of the steam power; but that doesn’t do enough for me), but that’s not the biggest concern right now. What is a concern is trying to recover Sprigatito.

Even with what we find out later, this bit with the Pokémon Center doesn’t make much sense to me. Nor does Amethio telling Conia they’re not taking Sprigatito as a hostage- then why even keep her fed?

No matter- with the aid of Friede and Cap, Liko is able to rescue Sprigatito. So, the Pokémon and partner are reunited and on their way. However, their ship’s pennant floats to a nearby island, which leads to the next episode.

Episode 4: “The Treasure after the Storm”

The next part of the story starts here, as the Brave Olivine sets down for repairs on a nearby island. Here is where we formally meet the deuteragonist, Roy and his grandfather. There’s also a   Fuecoco that’s been wandering around as well, more on that in a moment. Elsewhere, the Explorers (under the guidance of Hamber) are tailing them via submarine.

Episode 5: “Found You, Fuecoco”

Here is where Fuecoco officially becomes Roy’s Pokémon partner. Honestly not a bad fit- I started with one in Scarlet (named her Blaze); and the singing parallels between the two make sense. The part where Liko is fleeing from some Scyther is quite familiar; as is Roy’s grandfather being hesitant to let him leave. Before I continue this, I will reiterate the slow pacing at the beginning is a major flaw. Even the timing is slower on the jokes, like when Roy’s grandad gets everyone snacks and tea. Liko’s inner monologues can also be grating at points, especially for new viewers. The battles are admittedly highlights, such as the one that leads us into the next episode with the Explorers.

Episode 6: “The Ancient Poké Ball”

Now is the part where we get the main catalyst for much of HZ’s story: the shiny Rayquaza contained in the titular ancient Poké Ball. To be completely honest, this whole concept is like the “GS Ball 2.0,” and the main embodiment of the “mystery box” aspect of the story. As someone who isn’t a huge fan of the idea in and of itself; I am just going to wrap it up here for now with this- if you’ve figured out where the story is headed now, congratulations. The anime will take another five episodes to progress to the next plot thread, including the next two on the ship now that repairs are complete. After Roy returns their pennant, he is granted his grandfather’s blessing to join the crew on their journey. There’s also a setup with the head of the Explorers, Gibeon.

Episode 7: “Special Training with Cap”

Picking up where we left off, Liko is recalling the events so far in her journal; which honestly is something they should have done instead of all the inner monologues. As Cap is helping Liko and Roy get a feel for their partners, we also are shown who the Nidothing really is- the webmaster of the Brave Olivine; Dot. She is a character who will be key to the rest of the show and this arc in particular. 

Episode 8: “The Door That Never Opens”

Case in point- this episode. Though Dot initially starts out as a fatigued, socially-awkward recluse; she does get better as time goes by. Her uncle Murdoch is especially helpful with this, as he’s the one who convinced her to join the crew. Plus, she loves his cooking- having logged over 60 hours into Mega Dimension (we’ll talk another time); can safely say I prefer donuts covered in chocolate and Pikachu sprinkles over flavorless supplement capsules. Out of all of the new young leads, she’s the one trying to better herself the most. Her costume is a bit musty, so she takes a bit when they land in the next episode to air it out.

Episode 9: “Welcome to Paldea”

Here is where the story starts to pick up- when the ship reaches Paldea. If I were calling the proverbial shots, I would have started here; and leaned into the source material more. Nevertheless, I do like how they rendered Mezagoza, and how Cabo Poco is Liko’s hometown. I also kind of like this bit of Roy almost getting clipped by a Cyclizar. We will talk more later, but I think this anime works best when it embraces its source rather than diverging from it. After exploring the shops, they go to see Liko’s father Alex back home. He certainly painted a nice Rapidash (Happy year of the fire horse to those observing) and Arcanine in their den. Liko continues pondering, which will be a recurrence over both this anime as a whole and the next few episodes. Bottom line- with her father’s blessing, Liko decides to continue her journey. I may have overall mixed feelings to how the adult characters are handled in this anime (more to come on that soon), but this is a nice ending scene.

Episode 10: “Nemona and Brassius”

Now we’re talking- this is the first episode to feature fan favorite Nemona; who I honestly find way more interesting than who’s actually leading this anime. Same with the conceptual artist and Artazon gym leader Brassius. If they had just committed to directly adapting Generation IX, that would have been preferable to the approach they’re taking. Even with the discourse around Scarlet and Violet, most people I talked to really enjoyed the story and characters. That would have suited this anime more than what they actually did. After a mock battle and serving as a collective muse for Brassius; they get their lead to the next Legendary Hero.

Episode 11: “Arboliva’s Forest”

As a nearby forest has been ravaged by a wildfire, cleanup and rescue efforts are underway. Here, we learn Molly is related to the Nurse Joy family; which could be an interesting story… were it not resolved more or less in the second half by her explaining that she became a traveling medic. Besides, the main point is actually a massive Arboliva, which is connected to the Shiny Rayquaza from before. The monster is even caught in another Legend Ball; which actually diminishes the intended wonder of the moment personally.

Episode 12: “The Future I Choose”

This is where the first major idea for Liko as a character comes through. After tending to the fire damage from before; she decides that she wants to understand how Pokémon feel. Her father Alex being a children’s book author and illustrator compounds that decision, as does her more adventurous mother Lucca. 

Admittedly, both she and the show are fine enough as basic concepts- despite claims otherwise; Pokémon has reached the point where it’s a more all-ages and all demographics brand; where multiple generations of fans exist, many of which now have children of their own. Both a different anchor character and direction for storytelling are worth exploring as other branches of the franchise have done successfully in the past. Even the video game source material, for all some may give it; has in a way evolved beyond the original ideas of when it melded the creator’s love for insect collecting and video games and into all manner of twists on the stories and characters.

It’s in the execution that, while many hailed HZ as a breath of fresh air for the franchise after a quarter of a century; other fans such as myself had a much more muted response. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I was among those who legitimately gave the show a fair shake- my reaction was not of immense anger or joy; but of mere disappointment. At the very least, the new status quo has established a relatively consistent identity on its own merit; without being entirely beholden to the source. All I will say is- enjoy that while it lasts.

Episode 13: “An Unexpected Picnic”

This episode is one that didn’t exactly get a warm response from fans; but it’s actually all right to me. When this anime actually attempts to adapt the games (might try recreating the sandwiches in SV sometime, especially Friede’s); it’s not that bad as opposed to the other storylines. Roy even catches a Wattrel in all this, so overall pretty decent.

Episode 14: “Fly, Wattrel”

While Roy sets about training his new catch to fly, something sinister is brewing from another one of the Explorers. His name is Spinel, whose objective may be to take the pendant, but he clearly has his own agenda. His methods aren’t really that unique to me (blocking cell signals and hypnotizing the lead have been done before, as has the “smug backstabber” archetype); but his actions do lead directly into the next episode. 

Episode 15: “Someone We Can’t See- Who’s A What’s It?”

Picking up roughly where the previous episode left off, an amnesiac Liko and her pendant must be found at all costs. Even with my overall mixed feelings towards this anime, I do concede the way they rendered Levincia is great. The inclusion of Iono and her infectious energy is also welcome. As Liko regains her memory; it’s time to find the one who did this to her: Spinel.

Episode 16: “We Can Do It, Quaxly”

As the pendant is reclaimed (as part of a shell game that takes up almost the whole episode), it’s also revealed to be the mythical Terapagos. Quaxly officially becomes Dot’s partner. Dot also comes clean about who she really is to Liko; but it’s not the end for her story. (Sighs)

A sizable amount of people found this approach to story and antagonists refreshing. I didn’t- I considered it unnecessarily convoluted and underwhelming, and this will come up again. Though Spinel may have malice on a surface level, they didn’t really establish much identity for him beyond a stock archetype. Let’s just say I will have some choice words for him in later reviews. Ironically, I found the games’ conflict between the squads of Team Star way more engaging and carried more personal weight. Also not a great sign when now more than one episode has tried to use the “bad cell signal” plot point when I have had to clear out space on my devices just to update the firmware. Long story short- the pendant is recovered, and we’re off to the next destination.

Episode 17: “Special Training Time”

After the incident in Levincia, the Brave Olivine heads to Galar to meet with Liko’s grandmother about the pendant. While they’re in transit, Roy wants to help quash a feud between his Fuecoco and Wattrel. The solution lies in a training session with Friede. This is a recurring thread for Roy’s character, which is both good and bad; as I will explain over the course of these reviews. Admittedly, the bit of Fuecoco wearing Roy’s hat is also kind of cute.

Episode 18: “Flying Pikachu, Rising Higher and Higher”

With some prompting from the children and crewmates, Friede tells the story of how he met Captain Pikachu. He’s also a professor, who have typically been my favorite characters in the franchise. This is probably the most effective episode of this arc, at least personally. Though I try not to actively compare this anime and its predecessors like others have; I think it would have been more effective if they showed this episode first, kind of like how the preview of Indigo League led with “Battle Aboard the St. Anne” instead of  “I Choose You.” At the end, the ship reaches Galar.

Honestly, Friede is legitimately the character that is the best-realized here; and Captain Pikachu is one element I unconditionally like about this anime. I will definitely keep this in mind as I continue to address this anime. One last thing before the ship reaches Galar- it’s actually a clever way of tying into the games’ event DLC; to make him a Flying-Tera Type.

Episode 19: “The Bittersweet Truth”

I know lots of people like this episode, but I couldn’t get into it at all. This whole “relationship” Murdoch had with a former partner named Mitchell just felt like a business divorce more than anything. A conflict centered around Alcremie variants is just too pedestrian for my taste.

As for Motostoke Gym Leader Kabu finally being featured after the previous anime, I will address that next. While many were satisfied with the portrayal, I am among those who wasn’t entirely pleased. Let’s get into why.

Episode 20: “Kabu’s Battle Training”

So, after the creative license the last anime took with Galar, lots of people were eager to see how this one would handle Kabu. Though they had the material to make it work and ended up winning lots of others over; I wasn’t one of them, and not just because of the ending. Personally, I think the “Twilight Wings” web series had a more lore-accurate version of Kabu. Better voice acting too- no disrespect to Clyde Kusatsu, but I feel he was miscast. Not sure whether it’s the direction or recording; but I had to turn on CC because the voice-over sounds like John Cleese with a chest cold.

On top of only featuring Litwick in the challenge (with Sizzlipede and Vulpix absent); the first part of the challenge was changed from capture or battle to snuffing out their flames. Of course the most infamous part is this- despite having the upper hand, Liko surrenders her gym challenge. This didn’t just upset Wakaba, it justifiably angered a sizable portion of the fan base. This isn’t like Surge or Sabrina being overpowered, and Kabu rightfully tells Liko that not every opponent will return the kindness she offers others. Though Liko does apologize to Wakaba before leaving; this honestly didn’t do this anime any favors. This will be another recurring issue with her character I will expand upon in these reviews. They do at least get word of a sighting near the Galar Mine, and there’s only a few episodes left in this arc, thankfully.

Episode 21: “The Lonely Hatenna”

It took a full 21 episodes, but Liko finally made another catch- the Hatenna in this episode’s title. As for the appearance of the Ingredient Seller from the games and Nidothing making a video with 2/3 of the Masters’ Eight Champion roster- this seems to hint about the placement in the franchise’s canon; but not say anything outright. I would honestly be more inclined to invest in this anime’s story if it made up its mind about which continuity it was in.

Episode 22: “Charge- Galar Mine”

After the events in Motostoke, there’s a lead on another one of the legendary heroes in the Galar Mine: Galarian Moltres. Interesting choice, as that’s usually on the Isle of Armor in the games; and it’s Galarian Zapdos on the mainland Wild Area.

There is a Multi Battle between the Explorers and our heroes, if briefly. The episode ends on some of the characters being trapped in a mine collapse. What happens next is one of the more infamous ways this anime undermined its presumed change in story format.

Episode 23: “Fiery Galarian Moltres”

This episode opens on Cap being treated at the Pokémon Center; and Friede having escaped without any explanation. I would invoke Annie Wilkes in Misery, but in this case, I think Tom Servo will suffice: “If they'd shown us that last time, I wouldn't have spent all week worrying about him.” I mean, when characters were trapped in previous anime, at least we were shown how they got out. Likewise, the capture of Galarian Moltres now means half the legendary heroes have essentially caught themselves. Just glad this first arc is almost over.

Episode 24: “Reunion at the Ancient Castle”

The Brave Olivine crew reaches the castle in Hammerlocke where Liko’s grandmother is waiting. Her name is Diana, and she honestly seems like a more interesting character than her grandchild.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the other Explorers. Their names are Coral and Sidian, and as mercenaries go; they don’t really offer much I haven’t seen from other anime or franchise entries in looks or personality. 

Ironically, for all the claims some people have made; I sincerely believe adapting the storyline from the games with Team Star would have been more interesting. There’s even a line from Liko’s inner thoughts that accurately sums up my main issue with that trait and her character- “I have no idea what I’m supposed to do here.” At least using Stonjourner as a door was somewhat creative; just like to see more of that same level of creative thought applied to the story.

Episode 25: “Rivals in the Dark of Night”

As the Explorers clash with the Rising Volt Tacklers and the castle is destroyed, I think it’s as good a time as any to wrap it up. The battle to escape the castle, which takes up most of the episode is at least a highlight. 

I concede that there are plenty of interesting ideas in this anime; but on a personal level; they don’t come together as a unified whole. It was never about having a different “anchor” character for me, I honestly was more disappointed they didn’t just adapt the video games directly. Even with the technical state of Generation IX at launch, the story was met with largely positive response. I was never against the idea of leaning into serialized, character-driven story arcs; but this is not what I was hoping for. I reaffirm that I don’t think it’s bad, but I also don’t hold the same high view of it as others do.

There are admittedly plenty of things to enjoy in this anime, with the animation and voice work being strong points. In a vacuum, this is admittedly a decent show and entry in the franchise. The problem is that I honestly don’t share the more rapturous praise as someone who has openly and largely avoided comparisons to previous seasons (and encouraged others to do the same). In fact, I found the other 2023 animated adaptions way more interesting- Path to the Peak, Paldean Winds and especially Pokémon Concierge. Bringing up 2013’s Origins and 2019’s Detective Pikachu movie would just be overkill.

I can’t help but admire the effort put forth in trying to make this story work, but I’m also not willing to overlook its flaws. As I’ve mentioned before, introducing characters and concepts is not the same as establishing them; and merely changing the lead of a work doesn't automatically mean everything else will change with it. 

As a final thought on this first storyline, I will say this: “Pokémon Horizons” admittedly has potential, but that potential (at least in my eyes) has not been fully realized. Thankfully, there is room to improve. We will touch on this again next time in the “Terapagos’ Shine” storyline. That will be all for now, and I will see you again soon. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.